Athens This Weekend: July 19 - 21

Another weekend is upon us in the Classic City, and like always, there's plenty of activities to keep the family occupied! Take advantage of one of the last weekends that Athens, Georgia has plenty of room to move around before all of the students return. Head to Athens for live music, free tours of Terrapin Brewery, a real-life "Where's Waldo?" hunt, a pool party, and more! 

Kick off your weekend on the Georgia Theatre Rooftop with an energetic performance by Jubee and the Morning After, a local Athens band full of soul and spunk, followed by the headlining band, Stokeswood, who got together in Atlanta, GA and coined the phrase "Low-Endie" rock to describe their layered mixture of pumping synths, powerful vocals, and irresistible dance vibe. Best of all, the whole show is free of charge, and if you get hungry, The Branded Butcher serves their food on the Rooftop! Music starts at 11 p.m., and this is a 21+ show.

This Saturday from 7 - 8:30 p.m., Bishop Park is celebrating the 43rd anniversary of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon with a night of swimming and fun activities at the Bishop Park Pool. This free event is open to all ages, and everyone will enjoy the nights arts, crafts, music, and astronomy activities! Wrap up the night's festivities with a free Moonpie dessert and Tang (the beverage of astronauts). Splashdown at Bishop Park Pool is going to be a blast for the whole family, so plan your weekend accordingly!

Fulfill a childhood dream by making the "Where's Waldo?" game come to life this month. Where's Waldo in ATH? is a month-long competition to find the 25 Waldos hiding in 25 local Athens businesses. Avid Bookshop is hosting this game and is offering coupons when you find 8 Waldos, and even better prizes when you find 16 of them! The winners will be drawn at the party on July 31st at Avid Bookshop. Additionally, you'll be supporting your local Athens businesses and local economy, so download you Waldo 'passport' from Avid Bookshop's website today!

This is a great weekend to check out Bear Hollow Zoo and Exhibit Hall! Located in Memorial Park in Athens, Bear Hollow Zoo invites you and the family to observe some unique wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, owls, and more along the wildlife trail seven days a week between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays are special at the zoo because the exhibit hall is open, which features projects for you and the kids and live animals that you can see and even touch from 1 - 4 p.m.! You'll also get to learn about the zoo animals' stories and how the staff take care of them. It's fun and educational for visitors of all ages! 

Terrapin Beer Co. Free Tastings & Tours is always a great idea on any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. This weekend, though, the deal has been sweetened, and you'll get to try Athens' first food truck, Street Cafe Food Truck, at Terrapin's tours on Friday and Saturday evenings! The truck serves food full of flavors from around the world. As usual, a $10 beer souvenir glass grants you eight tickets that are each redeemable for a 4 oz. pour of your choice of Terrapin's fine beers (for those ages 21+). Bring your family, friends, and/or four-legged leashed companion and enjoy outdoor live music, good beer, lawn games, and a delicious meal this Friday and Saturday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.!

Athenians and visitors have been loving Summer Water Rentals and Friday Night Paddles at Sandy Creek Park lately; if you haven't tried it, this weekend is your chance! Visitors ages 12+ who complete registration and payment by calling 706-613-3631 before 5 p.m. on Friday will get to enjoy Sandy Creek Park's Lake Chapman under the moonlight atop a canoe, kayak, or paddle board from 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. during Friday Night Paddles! The equipment can also be rented from 1 - 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with Sandy Creek Park's Summer Water Rentals program. Make this weekend fun, healthy, and full of beautiful outdoor scenery at Lake Chapman!

This weekend, Athens, Georgia has lots of activities for people of all ages. Take advantage of the free music and wildlife, water activities, and local beer, food, and games! For more ideas and event listings, check out our event calendar. Have a wonderful weekend!

Athens This Weekend: June 28 - 30

Try and forget how quickly the summer is flying by this weekend in the Classic City! Among other events, Athens, Georgia stays true to its reputation of having an awesome music scene and delicious local food and beer. Whether you're in Athens, Georgia for the weekend or a permanent Athenian, you won't want to miss the fun to be had!

If you love the Beatles, there's no place you should be besides the Georgia Theatre on Saturday because Abbey Road LIVE! is playing not one, but TWO shows! Abbey Road LIVE! is not your everyday, over-the-top tribute band.  Instead, the group has mastered the Beatles' albums and adds their own raw, spirited spirit, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere for all ages. The doors for the matinee show open at 3:30, and the whole family is encouraged to come soak up the 1960s-inspired fun.  For fans age 18 and older, there is also a 9 p.m. show (doors at 8 p.m.)! Tickets are $8 in advance for the matinee show and $10 in advance for the evening show.

Although touring, tasting, and live music makes Terrapin Beer Co. a great destination for any weekend (or Wednesday or Thursday for that matter), special nights like this Saturday's Sustainability Movement at Terrapin make the brewery a must! Terrapin is even opening its doors an hour early, so the event will last from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Planned around the central theme of sustainability, the event will feature interactive booths and an organization, local business, and/or Athenian who is passionate about sustainability in our community for each of the Six Categories of Life: Water, Food, Health & Exercise, Home & Hobbies, Community, and Global.  To top it off, there will be live music by Cortez Garza and Vincent the Dog!  

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is offering the perfect event to make your Sunday afternoon ideal- and it's free! The Classic City Band Patriotic Concert in the Visitor Center & Conservatory will jump start your 4th of July patriotism with a lively, air-conditioned performance. This event is family-friendly, and as always, guests are welcome to take a stroll in the beautiful gardens and even pack a picnic lunch to enjoy outside before the concert begins! 

Sandy Creek Park and Sandy Creek Nature Center are hosting great events for the family this weekend. On Friday evening at the Nature Center, the "Insects of the Night" Family Program invites everyone ages 4 and older to explore all that crawls, flies, and buzzes in the heat of the summer nights on a short hike. Admission for the whole family is $7 for Athens-Clarke County residents and $10 for families from other counties.  On Saturday or Sunday afternoon, enjoy an adventure aboard canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards in Sandy Creek Park's Lake Chapman from the Summer Water Rentals at Sandy Creek Park! Rentals are available at a low cost every Saturday and Sunday this summer from 1-5 p.m., but please call the park beforehand at 706-613-3631 to reserve your vehicles.

With these options and more, Athens, Georgia is the place to be this weekend! For more information about all that the Classic City has to offer, check our event calendar regularly.  We wish you and your family an awesome weekend!

Athens This Father's Day Weekend: June 14 - 16

Another weekend is here in Athens, Ga, and it's a special one!  Father's Day is on Sunday, but the Classic City is offering dad-friendly events all weekend.  Whether your "Old Man" is into wine and beer tasting or theatrical and musical entertainment, there's something for every family to do this weekend!  

If you've never been to Terrapin Beer Co. Free Tastings and Tours, Father's Day weekend is the perfect time to change that!  If you have been, you'll understand why we think Dad would love a couple of hours there with free beer tastings, tours, and live music. Every Wednesday through Saturday, the local Athens brewery invites people of all ages and their leashed pets to tour the brewery and enjoy the early evening in their outdoor field. Each purchase of a $10 or $12 pint glass includes eight tickets (ages 21+), and every ticket is redeemable for a 4 oz. pour of Terrapin's year-round, seasonal, Monster Tour, Side Project, and/or specialty brews. Feel free to bring the kids and dogs on leash, plus a frisbee, ball, or use Terrapin's corn hole games for additional fun! The tours run from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

We're excited about 8th Annual Sprockets Music Video Show at the 40 Watt Club this Saturday!  Music videos from around the world will be shown beginning at 10 p.m. (doors at 9 p.m.) and the audience will vote for the Audience Choice Award winner.  Admission is $5, but if you have an AthFest wristband, you'll save a dollar.  This is an AthFest affiliated event, which serves as a reminder that the festival is nearing!  Flicker Theatre & Bar is hosting a pre-show reception from 7 - 9 p.m., where you will be able to meet the filmmakers and judges and eat Mama's Boy!  Come out and enjoy worldwide talents at this unique Athens event!

Ensure that Dad has an exceptional day on Sunday by signing both of you up for Father's Day Wine Tasting at Hotel Indigo's Rialto Club!  This 3-hour event presented by Hotel Indigo and Shiraz Fine Wine & Gourmet will provide a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy together. Kruger-Rumpf Winery of Germany's Rieslings will be served along with southern snacks, and there will also be live music to be enjoyed by all.  You'll also have the opportunity to meet the winemaker, Georg Rumpf, and learn more about the featured Rieslings.  Call Hotel Indigo directly at 706-546-0430 to reserve your tickets as soon as possible!  The tasting is from 4 - 7 p.m.

Take a trip back to the 1940s at Buffalo's Cafe on Friday night for their Casablanca Night feat. The A-Train Band party!  This family-friendly event will have guests of all ages dancing and having a ball.  All are encouraged to dress up and be prepared to show off their dance moves, as there will be costume and dance contests along with live music and exotic cuisine!  The admission is $20 and includes a buffet.  Take advantage of this neat event!

For the adult crowd, The Great American Trailer Park Musical will be the featured performance all weekend long at the Athens Community Theatre, by the Town and Gown Players!  The musical is written by David Nehls (music and lyrics) and Betsy Kelso (script) and is a Mainstage Production directed by Jonathan Sparks.  The plot is described as a meeting between the shows "South Park" and "Desperate Housewives" - sure to entertain, but not suitable for young ears.  The musical will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night and 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, and admission ranges from $15 - $18 dollars.  If you're looking to add a little spice to your weekend, this show is for you!

These great events along with many more can be found on our website's event calendar. Enjoy the warm-weathered weekend, and Happy Father's Day, dads!

Athens This Weekend: June 7 - 9

Another summer weekend is here, and that means Athens, Georgia has lots going on!  Among the numerous events, the Classic City is proud to have an exceptional abundance of musical talent and fun for the family this weekend!  Opportunities to see live performances downtown, participate in a cultural festival, cook your family's secret chili recipe at Terrapin, and enjoy Athens' beautiful nature make for an awesome weekend for everyone!

The Georgia Theatre is always a favorite Athens spot, especially during the warm summer months with its rooftop bar and food from the Branded Butcher. This Friday, however, is an especially exciting night at the venue, because Taj Mahal is performing!  Taj began playing blues music forty years ago and earned his title as an influential figure in late 20th century blues and roots music.  He has since been traveling the globe and expanding his style.  Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online or at the venue.  Taj Mahal's show at the Georgia Theatre will be a blast with his talent and sounds from all over the world!

Terrapin Brewery, another frequently visited Athens attraction, is having a special weekend as well!  In addition to their weekly Wednesday through Saturday brewery tours, this Saturday has been declared the 1st Annual IHNA Chili Cook-Off & Family Cookout! Bring the whole family for two of the most fun hours possible this weekend! From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., hot dogs, hamburgers, side items, vegetarian options, and all of the chili made by the participating competitors will be served to guests ($7 per person or $20 per family). Live outdoor music by The Last Tycoon and a moon bounce will also be present on Terrapin's expansive grass. The proceeds will benefit Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens (IHNA), which is a non-profit organization that works with a network of local congregations to provide emergency shelter and vital services for homeless families with children in Athens and Northeast Georgia.  Bring the whole family to this event that will hopefully continue for many years to come!

It's that time of year again to celebrate the traditional center of black culture and commerce in Athens, Georgia: the Morton Theatre!  This weekend will be Hot Corner Celebration & Soul Food Festival's 13th year of soulful celebration.  The event begins on Friday night with a Gospel Praise Party in the Morton Theatre lasting from 6 - 10 p.m., and the festivities continue all day on Saturday (noon - 10 p.m.) on Washington Street in downtown Athens.  Live performances, showcases, games, speakers, a raffle drawing, and more will keep all in attendance entertained.  People of all ages will enjoy celebrating culture and diversity in the Classic City this weekend!

Head to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia on Saturday morning from 9 - 11 a.m. for the Family Hiking Club! Sign the family up to explore the beautiful gardens and trails for a relaxing and educational Saturday morning. Along the way the guests will play fun environmental and sensory games as they discover interesting facts about plants.  Pre-registration is required, so call to book spots the whole family for $15 or individuals for $5 each.   Kids under age 3 are free.  Wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and get ready to explore!

University of Georgia College of Education professor Melisa Cahnmann-Taylor is hosting Seat in the Shade: Summer Poetry Reading Series- a week of poetry reading and discussion of the poetic craft during the days of June 6-13. The reading this weekend by Stephen Corey, Jenny Gropp Hess, The GA Review Team will occur on Friday night at The Globe at 7:00 p.m.! This is the celebration's second year running, and all performances are free of charge, so check it out!

Yet another musical icon is coming to the Classic City this weekend!  On Sunday night, Jake Shimabukuro: World Class Ukulele Master will blow guests away at The Melting Point with his flawless, passionate style.   Start your week on an inspired note with Shimabukuro's globally-practiced style! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8.  Get your ticket ($25 in advance) while they last!

Lastly, don't forget that Athfest is coming up quickly on June 19-23!  For hotel packages and a complete compilation of Athens events, visit our website's event calendar.  Now gather the family to get out and enjoy these great local events!

One Tank Trip Summer Getaway: Athens, GA

With the arrival of summer comes the desire to trade in high-paced city life in exchange for a relaxing getaway.  Luckily, located just 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens, Georgia awaits.  Whether you want to get your fill of nature, heritage, music, food, beer, or just fuel your creative juices, Athens' summer schedule provides an amazing value for your entertainment dollar and makes the short drive well worth your time!

Get outside and take advantage of sunny Georgia summers at the State Botanical Garden! Within its 313 acres, there are five miles of walking trails, various themed gardens, a conservatory full of tropical and subtropical plants, and a café and gift shop, making the garden an ideal destination for any summer day.  The grounds are the perfect place to pack a picnic and spend an afternoon laying in the shade or to get some exercise among gorgeous scenery.  Full Moon Hikes and cooking in the garden workshops are favorite special events for all ages this summer.  

Also, don't miss the Sunflower Music Series at the State Botanical Garden!  The luscious garden environment may be the most enjoyable setting imaginable for a concert.  The schedule is as follows:

• June 4- Shonna Tucker and Eye Candy (musicians from the Drive by Truckers; Alternative Country)
• July 9- Caroline Aiken (Folk/Blues/Rock)
• August 20- Grogus (Latin Jazz)
• September 17- Arvin Scott Quartet (World Beat/Jazz)

For just $15 per adult/$5 for kids, light snacks, beer and wine (for those of age) are included-  that's a steal!   Tickets for all of the shows are currently available for purchase online.  Grab your friends and family, pack a picnic blanket, and come ready to enjoy good music!

For some educational fun, Classic City Tours offers a variety of themed tours that celebrate Athens' heritage and are sure to teach you a few things.  We recommend including the Athens Heritage Tour on the top of your to-do list; it's offered daily at 2 p.m.  Featured on the tour are the world's only remaining Double Barreled Cannon, Athens' oldest house, and the only National Historic Landmark in the area, the Taylor-Grady house.  Other tours to consider are the African-American Heritage Tour and the Museum Mile Tour of Athens' four historic house museums.  If you're feeling more independent, self-guided and audio tours are available as well!  Reservations may be booked via phone at 706-208-8687.

As Hunter S. Thompson said, "Good people drink good beer."  We're sure that his Athens getaway would include touring Terrapin Brewery free of charge.  A $10 souvenir glass comes with eight tickets that may be redeemed for half-pours of their award-winning beer. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., come taste and learn about award-winning beer while enjoying live outdoor music.  Tell your pets that they're invited to join the fun as well, so long as they agree to stay on their leash!  For more information on the performers, events, and Terrapin beer, see the Terrapin website.

Perhaps good beer's biggest rival is good food, and Athens keeps the competition alive with its growing culinary status and multiple Top Chef and James Beard winners.  With all of the delicious dining options in Athens, choosing just a few restaurants to experience during your visit can be challenging.  Fortunately, Athens Food Tours not only eliminates the decision, but the tours make an event of sampling locally sourced foods and beverages from five to seven local eateries and shops.  You'll join a guide on an easy-paced walk through a designated area of town.  In addition to the scrumptious locally-grown, sustainable food and drinks included in the ticket price, ranging from $28-$44, hearing from local chefs and business owners along the way offers a unique and entertaining touch. 

Athens' annual summer festival, AthFest, is scheduled for June 19th-23rd, and we cannot wait!  Taking over gorgeous downtown Athens,  AthFest is a music, art, kids, and film-focused event.  More than 150 bands and artists will perform during the five-day celebration- and it's free!  Among other AthFest activities are an artists' market, a club crawl, film screenings, and KidsFest, which is an area especially for children and features kid-focused performances and interactive activities.  AthFest wristbands are only $20, and they provide unlimited access to participating club crawl venues and discounts for other affiliated events. Show schedules can be viewed and wristbands may be purchased on the AthFest website.  AthFest packages at Hotel Indigo Athens, Holiday Inn Express, and Foundry Park Inn & Spa start at a reasonable $105 per couple and make planning your one tank summer getaway a cinch!  The packages include everything you need for the weekend: your hotel room, wristbands, AthFest CDs, and t-shirts.  Find out more and purchase your AthFest package here. 

For a constant update of live music events, be sure to keep up with the calendars of favorite Athens venues, including 40 Watt Club, Caledonia Lounge, The Melting Point, and The Green Room.  Seeing a show at the iconic Georgia Theatre is an absolute must for lovers of music and Athens.  Their rooftop bar is a great place to kick back and relax and is now serving food from their neighbor, The Branded Butcher, from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays.  The Flagpole music calendar is another great tool to keep up with Athens' music scene.

Decompress with some artistic therapy at Good Dirt Studio, Artini's, and Pints and Paints- all located in the heart of downtown Athens.  Good Dirt Studio offers an assortment of clay classes, including "Try Clay" clay sessions on the wheel from 7-9 p.m. every Friday (ages 8+) and "Try Clay" hand-building classes for all ages every Sunday from 2-4 p.m.  If you're more of the painting type, fuel your inner Monet and check out Artini's and Pints and Paints for a fun guided art lesson.  The $20-$35 fee covers the supplies and guidance, and you'll surely to be impressed with your masterpiece!

For more ideas to satisfy your Georgia road trip cravings, visit the Athens Visitors & Convention Bureau website or call 706-357-4430.  The possibilities in Athens, Georgia are endless this summer, so mark your calendars and plan your summer getaway as soon as possible!